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Abstract:

An exterior rear view mirror housing, which consists of at least a first
housing part and a second housing part, and which comprises an opening on
its rear side for a mirror glass, whereby the second housing part
contains the walls surrounding the opening. The first housing part and at
least one of the walls of the second housing part surrounding the opening
comprise inner surfaces which face each other oppositely. On at least one
of the inner surfaces which face each other oppositely, at least one
ridge is arranged, which runs parallel to the rear side and extends from
the one inner surface up to a remaining clearance to the opposing inner
surface.

Claims:

1. An exterior rear view mirror assembly comprising: a first housing part
having an inner surface; a second housing part fixedly secured to said
first housing part, said first and second housing parts creating a
housing that defines an opening on a rear side for a mirror glass,
whereby said second housing part includes a wall surrounding said
opening, whereby said first housing part and said wall of said second
housing part surrounding said opening define opposing inner surfaces
facing each other, whereby at least one ridge is arranged on at least one
of said inner surfaces wherein said at least one ridge runs parallel to
said rear side and extends from one of said inner surfaces to an end
spaced from said opposite-facing inner surface defining a clearance, said
at least one ridge increasing height in a direction of a mirror foot.

2. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one ridge extends out from said first housing part.

3. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 1 including a
plurality of ridges each staggered and parallel to one another.

4. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 3 wherein
each of said plurality of ridges extends alternately from each of said
opposite-facing inner surfaces.

5. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 3, wherein
each of said plurality of ridges is spaced equidistantly from each other.

6. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 3, wherein
each of said plurality of ridges is spaced non-uniformly from each other.

7. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 3, wherein
two adjacent of said plurality of ridges form a space for accepting a
seal.

8. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 3, wherein
said housing houses a module and/or a sensor of a driving assistance
device and/or for controlling a vehicle function.

9. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said first housing part comprises a housing base and said second housing
part comprises a housing cover.

10. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according claim 1, wherein a
tear-off edge is formed on said first housing part and/or on the second
housing part, seen in the case of inflow from a front side, turned away
from a rear side, of said exterior rear view mirror assembly, seen from
the front stagnation point, before the transition to the rear side.

11. An exterior rear view mirror assembly according to claim 10, wherein
said housing cover includes at least one protrusion extending out
therefrom to reduce exterior flow at least one area, in which area, seen
in the case of inflow from a front side of the exterior rear view mirror
housing, and after the pressure decrease, a pressure increases ensues in
the boundary layer.

12. An exterior rear view mirror assembly comprising: an exterior rear
view mirror housing having at least one base support assigned to a mirror
foot arranged on a motor vehicle, said exterior rear view mirror housing
including a first housing part and a second housing part, defining an
opening on a rear side for a mirror glass, whereby said second housing
part contains walls surrounding said opening, whereby said first housing
part and at least one of said walls of said second housing part
surrounding the opening comprise opposing inner surfaces facing each
other, whereby at least one ridge is arranged on at least one inner
surface wherein at least one ridge runs parallel to a rear side and
extends from said one inner surface up to a clearance to said
opposite-facing inner surface and gains height in the direction of the
mirror foot.

13. An exterior rear view mirror assembly configuration for a motor
vehicle, said exterior rear view mirror assembly comprising a mirror foot
arranged on the motor vehicle, which is covered with a mirror foot cover
and supporting an exterior rear view mirror; an exterior rear view mirror
housing, which accommodates at least one base support assigned to said
mirror foot arranged on the motor vehicle, said exterior rear view mirror
housing consists of at least a first housing part and a second housing
part defining an opening on a rear side for a mirror glass, whereby said
second housing part contains walls surrounding the opening, whereby said
first housing part and at least one of said walls of said second housing
part surrounding said opening includes opposing inner surfaces facing
each other, whereby at least one ridge is arranged on at least one of
said opposing inner surfaces wherein said at least one ridge runs
parallel to said rear side and extends from one of said opposing inner
surfaces up to a position spaced from the other of said opposing inner
surfaces and gains height in the direction of said mirror foot.

Description:

[0001] The invention is based on a priority patent application EP
10164964.8 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to an exterior rear view mirror housing with
several housing parts, an exterior rear view mirror as well as an
exterior rear view mirror configuration in which the housing parts
contain the mirror glass.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] An exterior rear view mirror configuration for a motor vehicle
consists, for example, of a mirror foot arranged on the motor vehicle,
which can be covered by a mirror foot cover, and an exterior rear view
mirror arranged on the mirror foot. The mirror foot can be produced as a
die-cast piece, for example, from a material which is resistant to the
forces and moments which occur. The exterior rear view mirror comprises
an exterior rear view mirror housing, which, among others, accommodates a
base support assigned to the mirror foot.

[0006] The mirror foot and the base support are hinged together, so that
the exterior rear view mirror can be pivoted about a hinge axis towards
the mirror foot from an operating position to a folding point and vice
versa. In this process, bearing means can be provided between the mirror
foot and the base support, in order to keep wear and tear and frictional
forces arising during movement as low as possible.

[0007] Preferably, the base support is also produced as a die-cast part
from a material resistant to arising forces and moments, for example,
from the same material as the mirror foot. An adjusting device for a
mirror glass, driven by an electric motor, for example, is arranged on
the mirror foot. The adjusting device acts on a carrier plate, on which
the mirror glass is arranged. The mirror glass can be mounted onto the
carrier plate by means of an adhesive connection, for example. The
carrier plate can be guided to and/or mounted on the adjustment device
and/or the base plate.

[0008] On its rear side, facing away from the direction of movement of the
motor vehicle in the operating position, the exterior rear view mirror
housing comprises an opening, through which the mirror glass is visible,
or in which the mirror glass is arranged. In order to ensure that the
mirror glass is adjustable, a distance is kept on all sides between the
mirror glass or carrier plate and the walls of the exterior rear view
mirror housing surrounding the opening, so that a clearance is given
around the mirror glass between the walls of the exterior rear view
mirror housing surrounding the opening.

[0009] In addition, the exterior rear view mirror can comprise a repeated
flashing light, a module for a driving assistance device, such as blind
spot monitoring, a lane departure warning, approach monitoring, or
similar, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the
exterior rear view mirror can also comprise sensors for recording driving
and/or surrounding conditions, such as for example, temperature,
brightness, degree of pollution, lighting situation, for example, in
order to automatically heat the mirror glass, or to dim
electro-chromatically, for example.

[0010] For example, in order to facilitate assembly of the different
component parts housed inside the exterior rear view mirror housing, as
well as, if necessary, their electrical connections to each other in an
exterior rear view mirror of this type, the exterior rear view mirror
housing is formed in at least two parts. A first housing part forms the
housing base, for example, with a second housing part forming the housing
cover, for example. One of both housing parts contains the housing
section lying around the opening for the mirror glass, with the walls
encompassing the opening.

[0011] A generally known and as yet unresolved problem of exterior rear
view mirrors of this type is noise generation at high speeds.

[0012] An exterior rear view mirror is known in DE 103 51 857 A1, in which
a protrusion is provided for reduction of noise generation. The
protrusion is arranged in the area of the outer surface of the exterior
rear view mirror housing, in which, the exterior flow is slowed down
during inflow in the direction of travel, and after a previous decrease
of pressure, a pressure increase ensues in the boundary layer. A
laminar-turbulent transition of the boundary layer is enforced by the
protrusion. The boundary layer, turbulent after the change, has a
stronger exchange with the exterior flow than a laminar boundary layer.

[0013] Therefore, the turbulent boundary layer can follow a pressure
increase for longer without displacement, and more easily than the
laminar boundary layer. Furthermore, the separation bubble occurring on
the rear side at high speeds is reduced, which therefore also reduces the
trail. Both effects can contribute to a reduction in noise generation.
The disadvantage of this is that, in comparison to the laminar boundary
layer, the turbulent boundary layer has a greater thickness, connected to
greater air resistance.

[0014] In DE 196 32 620 C1, an exterior rear view mirror is known, which
is permeated by air ducts for reduction of noise generation, which are
connected to an air source. The air ducts end on the rear side of the
exterior rear view mirror housing. With this procedure, air should be
supplied to the separation bubble which occurs on the rear side at high
speeds, whereby the pressure in the separation bubble should be raised.
Due to the raised pressure in the separation bubble, the trail of the
exterior rear view mirror is reduced, synonymous with a reduced degree of
turbulence in the trail. The disadvantage of this is the danger of
additional, speed-dependent noise generation of the air ducts, for
example, whistling noises.

[0015] An exterior rear view mirror is known in DE 197 43 107 C2, on which
exterior rear view mirror housing, seen from the underside of the front
stagnation point, before the transition or the edge to the rear side
comprising the opening for the mirror glass, a tear-off edge is formed.
This should prevent soiling of the mirror glass by spray water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An object of the invention is to provide an exterior rear view
mirror housing as well as an exterior rear view mirror and an exterior
rear view mirror configuration with reduced noise generation.

[0017] The object is achieved by an exterior rear view mirror with housing
parts, which comprise at least one ridge in the edge region, belonging to
the wall surrounding the mirror glass.

[0018] Accordingly, a first item of the invention concerns an exterior
rear view mirror housing of an exterior rear view mirror of an exterior
rear view mirror configuration for a motor vehicle, with the exterior
rear view mirror housing formed in at least two parts, and consisting of
at least a first housing part and a second housing part. The first
housing part and the second housing part border each other along at least
one connecting joint. The exterior rear view mirror housing comprises an
opening for a mirror glass on its rear side, turned away from the
direction of movement of the motor vehicle. The second housing part
comprises a housing section lying around the opening for the mirror
glass, with the walls surrounding the opening.

[0019] The first housing part and at least one of the walls of the second
housing part surrounding the opening comprise opposing inner surfaces
facing each other, facing a housing interior. On at least one of the
opposing inner surfaces which face each other, at least one ridge is
arranged, which runs parallel to the rear side and extends freely out
into the housing interior, from the inner surface up to a remaining
clearance, approaching the opposing inner surface. In this process, the
at least one ridge stemming from the inner surface comes closer to the
clearance of the opposing inner surface. The at least one ridge can be
formed, for example, as an integral component of the first or second
housing part, preferably made in an injection moulding procedure.

[0020] It is important to mention that the expressions first and second
housing part, as well as the terms first and second do not denote an
order or concrete instructions for assembly, but simply serve for
differentiation and are interchangeable.

[0021] According to the invention, it is intended that in the region of
the walls surrounding the opening, at least one ridge is arranged on at
least one of the opposing inner surfaces, which face each other, of the
first and/or second housing part.

[0022] Amongst others, advantages of the invention in comparison to the
prior art are given in that the at least one ridge forms a labyrinth
seal, through which noise generation is reduced or prevented, which
occurs, amongst others, during inflow of the exterior rear view mirror
housing from the front side opposing the rear side, air is sucked from
the boundary layer via the connecting joint between the first and second
housing part via the clearance between the mirror glass, and the walls of
the opening surrounding this, by the negative pressure in the separation
bubble on the rear side. In the prior art, in the described way,
undesired noise is generated by air flowing freely through an exterior
rear view mirror housing. Thus the at least one ridge prevents noise
generation, for example, whistling noises, which originate from undesired
flow through the exterior rear view mirror housing. The at least one
ridge serves for targeted air flow when air flows over the exterior rear
view mirror.

[0023] Amongst others, further advantages are given in that there is no
contact between the ridge and the opposing inner surface, and therefore
there are no vibration noises or creaking or squeaking noises which
possibly occur due to vibrations or relative motions of the housing parts
in relation to each other, as a small clearance is kept between the inner
surfaces. Due to this clearance being kept, assembly is also made easier,
since in comparison to a ridge reaching the opposing inner surface e.g.
an excess of ridge does not lead directly to a failure but first of all
simply leads to a tapering of the clearance.

[0024] A further advantage is given by a hardening of the corresponding
housing parts by at least one ridge, whereby noises caused by the housing
vibrations induced by the flows around can be prevented.

[0025] At least one ridge is preferably arranged on the first housing
part. The at least one ridge thus extends at least over at least one
section of the first housing part opposing the walls surrounding the
opening. Since the first housing part is provided with at least one
ridge, the additional advantage of a hardening of the first housing part
in at least one area opposing the wall surrounding the opening is
achieved. Therefore vibrations of the first housing part which generate
noises cannot occur at all, or are effectively suppressed.

[0026] A flow with increased pressure in the boundary layer can flow
around the first housing part on one external wall assigned to an inner
surface strengthened with at least one ridge. For example, protrusions or
at least one tear-off edge are provided on the first housing part, in
order to influence the flow for reduction of noise generation. Through
this, depending on the speed of the vehicle, there can be a dynamic
stress of the first housing part, caused by turbulences in the boundary
layer along the external wall and/or exterior flow. The at least one
ridge effectively strengthens the housing part, so that the dynamic
stress cannot cause any oscillation or vibration of the first housing
part. Therefore noise generation is more effectively avoided or
prevented.

[0027] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides several
staggered ridges which are arranged parallel to each other.

[0028] For example, adjacent, staggered ridges, which are parallel to each
other, can be arranged on the opposite-facing inner surfaces. In each
case here, at least one ridge is arranged staggered on the inner surfaces
which are opposite to each other. For one thing, this thus results in an
improved sealing effect of the labyrinth seal formed by the ridges, and
for another, in a hardening of both housing sections of the first and
second housing part comprising the inner surfaces opposing each other.

[0029] The exterior rear view mirror housing can comprise a repeated
flashing light. Alternatively or additionally the exterior rear view
mirror housing can house a module and/or a sensor for a driving
assistance device and/or for control of a vehicle function, such as for
example, control of heating and/or automatic dimming of the mirror glass.
The module and/or sensor for a driving assistance device can be a display
device for blind spot monitoring, a lane departure warning or approach
monitoring, a receiver for satellite based positioning or similar, or a
combination thereof. The control of a vehicle function can concern, for
example, heating and/or automatic dimming of the mirror glass. Hereto,
the exterior rear view mirror housing can comprise a temperature sensor
and/or a brightness sensor.

[0030] The first housing part preferably forms or contains a housing base,
whereas the second housing part forms or contains a housing cover.

[0031] On the first housing part and/or on the second housing part, seen
in the case of inflow from a front side, facing away from the rear side,
of the exterior rear view mirror housing, seen from the front stagnation
point, before the transition or the edge to the rear side comprising the
opening for the mirror glass, a tear-off edge can be formed. Through
this, in addition to a reduction of noise generation by a reduction of
the trail, soiling of the mirror glass can be counteracted.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, in at least one area of the external
surface of the exterior rear view mirror housing, at least one protrusion
can be provided, in which area, seen in the case of inflow from a front
side of the exterior rear view mirror housing turned away from the rear
side, the exterior flow is reduced, and after the previous pressure
decrease, a pressure increases ensues in the boundary layer. An
additional reduction of noise generation is achieved by the reduction of
the trail.

[0033] Between the opposing inner surfaces which face each other, at least
one seal made of a reversible, elastically deformable material, e.g. an
elastomer material, can be implemented, which further improves the
sealing effect of the ridge. In contrast to an exclusive arrangement of
an elastomer seal, for example, the at least one ridge e.g. a flap of the
seal prevents a pressure difference to be withstood which is higher than
this. Therefore the at least one ridge according to the invention, also
in combination with an elastomer seal, contributes to a reduction of
undesired noise generation.

[0034] A second item of the invention concerns an exterior rear view
mirror comprising an exterior rear view mirror housing, which
accommodates a base support assigned to a mirror foot arranged on the
motor vehicle. The exterior rear view mirror is characterized by a
previously described exterior rear view mirror housing.

[0035] A third item of the invention concerns an exterior rear view mirror
configuration for a motor vehicle, comprising a mirror foot arranged on
the motor vehicle, the mirror foot being covered with a mirror foot
cover, if necessary, and an exterior rear view mirror arranged on the
mirror foot. The exterior rear view mirror concerns a previously
described exterior rear view mirror.

[0036] Further features of the invention result from the further claims,
description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the invention are subsequently explained in more
detail by means of the drawings. Identical reference numbers here denote
identical or identically working elements.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cross-section through a
part of an exterior rear view mirror housing.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a view of the lower housing part

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] An exterior rear view mirror housing 01 partly shown in FIG. 1 of
an exterior rear view mirror of an exterior rear view mirror
configuration for a motor vehicle comprises an opening 03 for a mirror
glass, not shown, on its rear side 02 turned away from the direction of
travel of the motor vehicle. The exterior rear view mirror housing 01 is
formed in at least two parts. The exterior rear view mirror housing 01
consists of at least a first housing part 04 and a second housing part
05. The first housing part 04 and the second housing part 05 border each
other at least in an area near to the rear side 02 along at least one
connecting joint 06. The second housing part 05 contains a housing
section 07 surrounding the opening 03 for the mirror glass, with the
walls 08 surrounding the opening 03.

[0041] The first housing part 04 and at least one of the walls 08 of the
second housing part 05 surrounding the opening 03 comprise inner surfaces
10, 11 facing opposite to each other, facing a housing interior 09. The
wall 8 is formed as a mirror frame and comprises the mirror glass.

[0042] On at least one of the inner surfaces 10, 11 facing opposite to
each other, at least one ridge 12, 13, 14 is arranged, which runs
parallel to the rear side 02 and extends freely out from one inner
surface 10, 11 up to a remaining clearance 15, approaching the opposing
inner surface 11, 10, into the housing interior 09. Thereby, the at least
one ridge 12, 13, 14 can stand vertically or at any angle on the
corresponding inner surface 10, 11. Changing the angle between the inner
surface 10, 11 and each standing ridge 12, 13, 14 is also possible. The
at least one ridge 12, 13, 14 is preferably formed as an integral
component, for example, of the first housing part 04. At least one ridge
12, 13, 14 extends parallel to the rear side over the inner surface 10,
11 of the whole area, in which the inner surface 11 lies opposite at
least one wall 08 of the inner surface 10 of the first housing part 04.

[0043] Preferably, several ridges 12, 13, 14 are provided, which are
staggered and arranged parallel to one another. In this process,
adjacent, staggered ridges 12, 13, 14 which are parallel to each other
can be arranged alternately on the opposing inner surface 10, 11.

[0044] On the first housing part 04 and/or on the second housing part 05,
seen in the case of inflow from a front side 16, facing away from the
rear side 02, of the exterior rear view mirror housing 01, seen from the
front stagnation point 17, before the transition or the edge 18 to the
rear side 02 comprising the opening 03 for the mirror glass, a tear-off
edge 19 can be formed. In addition to a reduction of noise generation by
a reduction of the trail, the tear-off edge 19 contributes to a reduction
in soiling of the mirror glass.

[0045] The exterior rear view mirror housing 01 can house a repeated
flashing light 20. The first housing part 04 preferably forms or contains
a housing base 21, whereas the second housing part 05 forms or contains a
housing cover 22.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a view of the lower housing part 04. Ridges 12, 13, 14
are attached along the edge extending along the longitudinal axis of the
mirror. Both of the external ridges 13 and 14 form an interior space 24,
which ends at point 23. At this point, both ridges 13 and 14 run together
and run as a common ridge in the direction of the mirror foot. The ridges
become continually higher towards their ends. Therefore the function is
also fulfilled in the critical area near to the vehicle.

[0047] The embodiment with the two converging ridges furthermore fulfils
the requirement, if necessary, of forming the receiving space 24 for a
seal.